Below is depicted the step-by-step process by which we make Japanese Katana
swords. The process shown is relevant to the creation of Tamahagane steel
blades, which we take care to make using the traditional methods, as done in
Japan.

Stage 1: Quality ore is selected. This is the raw material from which we would
make the tamahagane blade.

Stage 2: The tatara is used for smelting and reducing the iron, in order to further
refine the ore. In this process, chunks known as Watetsu or Wakoh are
created.

Stage 3 (Tamahashi - iron selection): The Watetsu are hammered down to create
thinner strips in small pieces. From these are selected the best ones to be
turned into the future blade.

Stage 4 (Tsumi-wakashi): The selected small pieces are stacked on a tool and
wrapped in paper so they are held together firmly. The stack is coated with clay
juice, upon which are tightly scattered straw ashes. The package is now ready
for the forging process.

Stage 5 (Shitakitae): The
previously mentioned stack undergoes rough forging in
order to make it into a single piece of homogeneous
steel.

Stage 6 (Tanren - forging and folding): Different parts of the blade are forged
is succession (body, ridge, edge, etc). Then they are folded over and over, and
later reforged to be recombined into a single unit.

Stage 7 (Hidzukuri - Shaping) - The shape of the katana is created during this
stage. Our skilled swordsmiths work tirelessly, hammering away, heating and
reheating, until the blade takes shape.

Stage 8 (Tsuchi-tori and
Yaki-ire - the clay tempering
and quenching process):
Differential hardening. The blade is coated with a mixture of clay and
charcoal. It is then immediately cooled with water at once after being
pre-heated to 800ºC. The
hamon is produced by this process as well.

Ordering from the online store
All the swords pictured in our online store are
avaliable for direct order.
Stock swords can be shipped 1-3 days following
payment.....Custom orders
1)Complete the custom order form on our website.
2)We will contact you by E-mail within 2 working
days of receiving your completed custom order
form.... READ MORE

The Jkoo Sword Forge is situated in the Long-
quan region of China, which has been heralded
throughout the centuries as one of premier
sword-making region of the country. The Jkoo
forge proudly continues that tradition.
We use traditional forging techniques to create a
wide variety of beautiful and functional weapons
for the discerning practitioner, collector, and
sword-enthusiast alike.